Slips and falls are alarmingly common and a leading cause of personal injuries. These incidents can result in serious injuries that interfere with victims’ quality of life and ability to work. The Miller & Steele Law Firm wants you not to suffer from these preventable injuries, and we believe that by knowing about the most common causes of slip and fall accidents, you may be able to avoid them. Here are the leading causes that our slip and fall accident lawyers in Carlsbad see:
Wet or Slippery Floors
Wet or slippery floors are among the most common causes of slip and fall accidents. The National Floor Safety Institute estimates that approximately 55% of slip and fall incidents are caused by wet floors. About one million Americans visit emergency rooms each year due to slip and fall injuries, many of which are attributed to wet floors.
Floors may become wet or slippery due to various reasons, such as:
- The floors were recently waxed or polished.
- Store workers did not clean up dropped food, liquids, or other items.
- Rain or snow was tracked indoors.
- Leaves are not cleaned up around the property.
- Business owners, renters, or landlords do not remove ice, rain, or sleet from the property, sidewalks, or parking lots.
Uneven Surfaces
Cracked sidewalks, potholes, unlevel flooring, and other uneven surfaces can cause tripping hazards. Approximately 28% of slip and fall accidents happen due to uneven walking surfaces. These surfaces also contribute to approximately 50,000 deaths each year in the United States.
Inadequate Lighting
If people can see hazardous conditions on the property, they may be able to avoid them. However, some property owners fail to fix broken light bulbs, install necessary lighting systems, or maintain these systems. Without adequate lighting, people are more likely to miss potential hazards or obstacles. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, approximately 21% of slip and fall accidents occur in poorly lit areas.
Inadequate Safety Measures
Some slip and fall accidents can occur because of a lack of safety features, such as:
- Handrails on stairs
- Non-slip surfaces
- Proper signage
- Appropriate flooring materials
OSHA reports that inadequate safety measures contribute to approximately 25% of slip and fall accidents in the workplace.
Business owners, landlords, tenants, and other parties have a responsibility to maintain properties that are safe for visitors. When they fail to uphold this duty, they can be held responsible for the resulting slip and fall accident injuries.
Get Help from an Experienced Slip and Fall Attorney from Miller & Steele
At The Miller & Steele Law Firm, we believe that accident victims shouldn’t have to pay the consequences when someone else’s negligence causes them harm. We can investigate your case, gather evidence such as witness statements and surveillance footage, negotiate with insurance companies for fair compensation, and help you navigate the legal complexities involved in these types of cases. You can call us at (760) 840-5221 or contact us online to begin with a free consultation.